Butte, Glenn, Tehama Counties: Your Local Perspective

The Changing American Workplace in this Area

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 16:52:39 -0800

In 1973, James O'Toole authored a study on the American Workplace. Today, thirty years later, Mr. O'Toole has authored a second volume on this important topic.

Are you driving less as a result of higher gas prices

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:31:30 -0800

So the title of this blog is Your Local Perspective, so I would like to know, as a result of the higer gas prices over the past month, are you driving less?

You will see the results immediately. Come back to see how others are voting.

California Small Business Survey

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 10:30:00 -0800

So what are California Small Businesses thinking? Each year, a statewide organization conducts a survey of small businesses in the Golden State to determine issues of greatest concern. This is an opportunity for regional small businesses to give "Your Local Perspective." Please take a moment to take this survey. I'll post the results when they become available.

Here is the link to take the survey: Link

It Does Not Get More Exciting!

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:35:31 -0800

John Mitchell, Economist and Poet, presented his national economic outlook at the January 17 2008 Forecast Conference. Attached here is his presentation in pdf format.

Download file

His forecast was much more positive than I had anticipated. While structurally we have some challenges ahead (and it will be up to policy makers to face these challenges head on), overall the outlook was reserved, but positive.

Here is a summary:

Economic Development 101 - Part 1

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:37:18 -0800

Just a quick primer on economic development. Dr. Sanzone taught that there were four simple ways to build a strong economy through economic development.

- Create new enterprises
- Attract new enterprises
- Retain existing enterprises (stop from leaving, and prevent failure)
- Expand existing enterprises

CARE is the accronym. Like the legs on a chair, each leg gives the chair more stability, and each "leg" in the economic development program gives the community's economy more stability.

Boomtown USA - 7 and a Half Keys to Big Success in Small Towns

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:00:54 -0800

In Jack's book, he points out the key attributes to small town success, including:

- Adopting a Can-Do Attitude
- Shaping a Vision
- Leveraging Resources
- Raise Up Strong Leaders
- Encourage an Entrepreneurial Approach
- Maintain Local Control
- Building Your Brand, and
- Embracing the Teeter-Totter Factor

2008 and Beyond

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:31:00 -0800

Over the past 22 years the Center for Economic Development (CED) at CSU, Chico, founded by Dr. John Sanzone, has worked with regional business and community leaders to address economic development issues throughout Northeastern California. In 2003, the CED partnered with the Northeastern California Small Business Development Center program, with a focus on building a strong regional economy through entrepreneurship.

One of our flagship events each year is the Tri County Economic Forecast Conference. Now in its 8th year, the conference has broad attendance from throughout the North State. The ideas presented and discussion created by the event is an outstanding means of showcasing new ideas and solutions to regional leaders.

This blog will be an opportunity to continue the discussions started as a result of the conference and other region issues affecting our communities. I'll share updates on new information, and it will create an opportunity for regional community members to chime in on their thoughts.

I look forward to hearing from you here, as well as getting your e-mails.

Dan Ripke